Das sign-in-gold: popular attraction revamped for opera

WHILE the much-anticipated Melbourne Opera production of Richard Wagner’s Ring Cycle will open at the Ulumbarra Theatre tonight, a recent Bendigo icon has received a facelift ahead of the curtain rising.

As part of Bendigo Tourism’s promotion of the event, a Ring Cycle themed display was unveiled at the entrance to Rosalind Park last week.

Similar to previous iteration, when it was the Viva Bendigo sign for the Elvis exhibition at the art gallery, the municipality has sought to extend the event to allow for more engagement.

The installation was redecorated by Steve Stanley, a local artist who also worked on the Australiana: Designing a Nation art gallery exhibition at the same time.

“The visual language of the Ring Cycle is very similar to something like Lord of the Rings,” he said.

“The fact that it has a dragon, a rainbow, a ring of fire, and other elements to it, but I, and other people from the Bendigo tourism marketing team felt like those elements were the major ones to include in the artwork.”

Glenn Harvey, tourism marketing manager with the City, said the 3D-illusion artwork makes you feel like you’re part of a magical world existing beneath your feet.

“The idea is that it creates the illusion that when you stand on it, it feels like the Earth is opening up, and you see some elements of the Ring Cycle including the dragon, river of gold, rainbow, and a range of other symbolisms that happen during the four operas that are happening over the Ring Cycle period,” he said.

“It’s a lot of fun for families, which can stand here and get a photo and feel like they’re part of the Ring Cycle.”

Manager of Bendigo Venues and Events, Julie Amos, said the municipality expects people will enjoy the opportunity for a photo moment associated with the performances.

“I think they’ll be really chuffed to see that imagery that resonates with the show that they’re seeing,” she said.

The installation will be in until the end of performances in early May.